With our trip to Anfield fast approaching, it’s time to predict what side Steve Bruce will select against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in Saturday’s early kick off.
Keeping form, fitness and last weekend’s big win over West Ham in mind, here’s the starting 11 and formation I can see us going with…
(5-3-2): Dubravka – Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie – S Longstaff, Shelvey (c), Almiron – Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
This would be harsh on Joelinton after two goals in his last three and equally tough to take for Sean Longstaff, but here’s why I see Wilson and Willock returning to the side…
Joelinton OUT, Wilson IN? – This would be harsh on our £40m man after a few much improved displays in our past two home games, but we all saw what a difference it made when we had ASM and Wilson on the pitch at Burnley; our last away game. Wilson needs start to get back up to speed and I can see him coming back in here, especially when we’ll need to be clinical if we’re to get anything at Anfield.
S Longstaff OUT, Willock IN? – The former has done little wrong since returning to the side, however the Arsenal loanee came off the bench to brilliant effect once again last weekend and will need to believe he’s a regular in Bruce’s side if he’s to stay at St James’ Park next season. He also can’t play against parent club Arsenal next Sunday, so I feel he’ll be recalled here. I’d prefer to see Shelvey drop out, but with him an ever-present when fit and captain in Lascelles’ absence, he’s almost certain to start.
How do you see us lining up? Let us know!
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